This project describes "Clinical and EEG Studies of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms" funded by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Monbusho International Research Program-University to University Cooperative Research) for 1995 and 1996. The project team consisted of four members in Japan and Guatemala.The hallucinogenic mushroom, known as the sacred mushroom "Teonanacatl" in Mesoamerica, has been widely used in religious and medicinal rites. However, the recent tendency of modernizing in traditional villages has meant abandoning the traditional ceremonies connected with mushroom use.In 1995 and 1996, we visited a Guatemalan farming village with a population of 3,000. We interviewed 68 children in the street of Santa Elena B.to investigate the parameters of hallucinogenic mushroom abuse (motivation, method (s) of use, hallucinogenic experience, etc.) and later examined the E.E.G.s and psychological tests (Rorschach, H.T.P) of chronic users.RESULT :1) 75% of the children interviewed ate the
… More mushrooms (Psilocybe, Panaeolus, -Conocybe, etc.) two or three times a month in the company of several other children.2) The principal motivation for eating the hallucinogenic mushroom was to escape the reality of extreme poverty and feelings of hopelessness. But they also eat hallucinogenic mushrooms with the purpose of deepening friendship in the group.3) Eating the mushrooms produced the visual hallucinations of bright colorful lights and the feeling of floating or flying. A majority enjoyed such effects and said they had been unaccompanied by fear and anxiety. Their interpersonal contact was good. There was not lack of drive and physical dependence.4) E.E.G.s showed the delayd reappearance of alpha-rythm with eye open.5) The tendency to take hallucinogenic mushrooms along with alcohol or thinner is increasing. This sometimes leads to accidental death due to perception distortion.The results of this research were reported in the 10th world congress of psychiatry and other four congresses. Less